Unexpected Incident During Play
I’m a 22-year-old female, 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 135 pounds. I have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and experience migraines with aura, but I haven’t undergone any surgeries. Recently, while my boyfriend and I were having some fun, I playfully put my tongue in his mouth. Unfortunately, when he tried to suck on it, he accidentally bit my tongue, which resulted in a small cut on my lingual frenulum. This incident caused some minor bleeding and quite a bit of pain. However, after applying a paper towel for compression, the bleeding subsided within about a minute. I also rinsed the area with warm saltwater for cleanliness. The pain has been gradually decreasing and responds well to taking Advil. Fortunately, I can still eat and drink without much issue, and I can talk almost normally. My main concern is the risk of infection, given that it was a bite wound, as well as how long it might take to heal. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 4:20:28 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've had a surprising incident that's caused some discomfort, but you're managing it well so far. Your main concerns are about the risk of infection from the bite and the healing process. Here's some guidance to help you navigate this situation.
Key Points:
- Injury Overview: A cut on the lingual frenulum from biting can be painful, but it often heals well because of the excellent blood supply in the area.
- Infection Risk: The risk of infection can be present, especially in bite injuries, but you've taken some good initial steps.
Explanation:
The lingual frenulum is a thin piece of tissue under your tongue, and while biting can cause an injury, it typically heals quickly due to its blood supply. Your symptoms of minor bleeding and pain are common. Rinsing with warm saltwater is effective for cleaning, which helps reduce the risk of infection.
Next Steps:
- Continue Good Hygiene: Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater 2-3 times a day to keep the area clean. Avoid strong mouthwashes that might irritate the wound.
- Watch for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye on the area. If you notice increased redness, swelling, pus, or persistent pain that worsens over the next few days, these could be signs of infection.
- Pain Management: Continue to take Advil as needed for pain relief, following the package instructions. If you notice your pain increases or isn’t relieved by over-the-counter medications, consider seeking further advice.
- Dietary Considerations: Stick to soft foods and avoid foods that could irritate the wound, such as spicy or acidic items, until it feels more comfortable.
- Healing Time: Minor cuts like this often heal within 1-2 weeks. As long as you don't experience any complications, you should see gradual improvement.
If you find that your symptoms change significantly or if you're ever feeling particularly anxious about the injury, don't hesitate to reach out for more personalized guidance or support. Take care!
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